Basquiat x Warhol
June 1, 2019 – September 7, 2019
Opening reception:
June 1st
The School
25 Broad Street, Kinderhook, NY
Jack Shainman Gallery announced “Basquiat x Warhol”, an extensive examination of the compelling, albeit complex relationship between two master artists during the final years of their lives. It will be on view from June 1 – September 7th at The School in Kinderhook New York. The crux of this exhibition lies in the collaborative paintings and interconnected practices of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. Basquiat and Warhol shared collective creative space in a New York City rife with possibility. The series of collaborative works, executed from 1984 – 85, sparked conversations between the two artists that are visible on canvas – a visual language all their own that revitalized Warhol’s engagement with painting.
This body of work was harshly criticized, with The New York Times reviewing in 1985, “[T]he collaboration looks like one of Warhol’s manipulations… Basquiat, meanwhile, comes across as the all too willing accessory.” While Basquiat, they claim, was forced into the role of “art world mascot”, the verdict, simultaneously, reflected the exhibition’s promo posters: “Warhol, TKO in 16 rounds.” This marked the downfall of this pivotal relationship, with Warhol’s death in 1987, and Basquiat’s one year after. Thirty years later, Jack Shainman Gallery is proud to present these previously misunderstood works as an in-depth study to mine Basquiat and Warhol’s creative genius.
Upon entering the show, the lobby gallery contains a self-portrait by Warhol, along with a sculpture by Basquiat: a football helmet adorned with the artist’s own hair. A testament to their ongoing relationship, Basquiat loaned Warhol this helmet with the instructions to wear it for twenty-four hours to understand how it felt to be observed as a black man in America. The exhibition will feature major, iconic works by both artists, including Warhol’s The Last Supper (Camel/57) and largescale oil and acrylic paintings by Basquiat. In addition, lesser-known works, such as Basquiat’s anatomy prints and Warhol’s torso line drawings and stitched photographs and polaroids, hang in classroom exhibition spaces, highlighting the artists’ exchange.
The exhibition will be further punctuated with a room projecting Warhol films and screenings of Edo Bertoglio’s 1981 film, “Downtown 81,” and PBS American Masters’ “Basquiat: Rage to Riches.” This juxtaposition will come to a climax in the main exhibition space, which will include a number of the artists’ powerful, largescale collaborative paintings.
The School is open on Saturdays from 11AM to 6PM. For tickets and info click here.
